Davus. That if my master should require me to swear that I did not do it; I may take the oath with a safe conscience[173].

Mysis. I understand you. But tell me, Davus, how long has your conscience been so scrupulously nice?

Davus. Make haste, that I may tell you further what I mean to do. Oh, Jupiter!

Mysis. What?

Davus. (to himself.) The father of the bride is coming this way: I abandon my first design.

Mysis. I don’t understand this[174].

Davus. I will pretend to come from the right: do you take care to second what I say, as you see occasion.

[he retires

Mysis. I can’t make out a syllable of all this: but, if I can be of any use, (which you know better than I,) I will stay; lest, otherwise, I should be any hinderance to your plans.

Scene VIII.